Under exposure

When Ashmore Grief was released, my publisher organised a giveaway on Goodreads. Three copies were given to randomly selected people who marked it 'to read'. Just over 300 people entered the giveaway.

Fast forward one year and only four of those people have actually read it, and only two have reviewed it. So, inspired by an interview I read with Lee Childs, I decided to reach out to these people and try to encourage them to read Ashmore Grief.

My method is to send a friend request with an offer of a free digital copy in exchange for a review. (If you haven't read it, I now make the same offer to you. If you have, could could please write a short review.)

Thus far, and it takes time because Goodreads limits the number of friend requests you can send in a day, I have sent 200 requests. I started about six weeks ago. I have received 7 acceptances, and one lady has already posted her review Ashmore Grief reader reviews

This experiment clearly demonstrates once again the need for greater exposure. Less than 5% of the people to whom I offered a free copy have accepted. 5% of 2000 is a lot more people than 5% of 200, and 5% of 20000 is many more again. You see my point.

I'm still trying to break through and reach significantly greater numbers of people. I am under exposed. Writers...has any method proved particularly successful for you?

W.A.S.

I managed to complete another chapter of my WIP over the weekend. A remarkable effort in the circumstances and I am satisfied. I am also satisfied that eventually I will get back on track and be able to write more consistently.

This morning I have continued messaging Goodreads friends, offering them a free digital copy of either Loathe Your Neighbor or Ashmore Grief in exchange for a review. I've received five yes messages to date. I'm also spending more time commenting on discussions on Goodreads as well.

This idea came from Lee Childs who was apparently very active on Goodreads early in his career. He said it was helpful. Writers, what have you found to be helpful in terms of increasing your exposure?

Special offer

I am under exposed. Obscure. One way to gather more readers, is to get reviews posted by those who have read my books. If you are one of my treasured readers who have already posted reviews, I say thank you very much. If you are among those who have read one of my books, but as yet have not posted a review on the purchase site, may I offer this incentive.

Review one of my books and I will give you a free digital copy of one of my other books.

To those who have not yet purchased any of my books, may I offer this incentive. I will give a free digital copy of either Devolution, Loathe Your Neighbor or Ashmore Grief to the first 20 respondents. Simply leave a comment.

To those eagerly anticipating my next novel, A Muddy Red River, which will be brought to you by Rogue Phoenix Press, I say thank you, and stay tuned.

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The Bleeding Obvious

I recently heard an astounding piece of information on the radio news. The Commissioner for Children, yes we have one of these, announced the results of a survey about what children like to do after school. They like watching TV, playing outside, riding their bikes or skateboards, and any number of other activities. Uh-huh. You will never guess what came next. According to the poll, children don't like doing homework. I'll wait while you pick yourself up off the floor. We taxpayers paid for a survey to tell us that children don't like doing homework. Sadly, this ridiculous example of social research and its crazy recommendation that "educators should do something about it," is not a one off.

There was a ripper not so long ago which stated that Australians are getting fatter, and the reason is because we are eating more and exercising less. Really?

I am a writer. One of hundreds of millions of writers in the world who are all competing for readers. Only a handful of the very talented people in the world actually earn a living from their talent. If I ask a person I don't know, to buy my book, my chances are slim. If someone that person knows, recommends my book to them, then they are more likely to buy it. If numerous people recommend the book, then there is an even greater chance. If it's bad it won't be recommended. All this is simply stating the bleeding obvious.

You know what else is bleedingly obvious? The existence of God. Nothing will change vis a vis children and homework. Nor with people and health. I won't stop trying to "make it" as an author despite the faint hope of success, and people will continue to ignore the reality of God in favour of whatever fantasy they wish to place their hopes in. We are all insane. Welcome to the asylum. Don't be afraid. We're all friends here.